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Renovations To River Lady Add Improved Accessibility
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Renovations to the bathrooms on the River Lady have made them friendlier for the disabled. |
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"We thank the captain for making our dream come true," said Regina Ferris, president of the Toms River Township Mayor's Advisory Committee on ADA compliance, as she entered the ramp of the River Lady Riverboat at One Robbins Parkway, Toms River, last week.
The River Lady, an 85-foot authentic reproduction of a Paddle Wheel Riverboat, recently had restrooms updated to accommodate wheelchairs.
"Welcome aboard, those with disabilities," said Captain Lance Chambeau, who lobbied for the change.
"We are starting our 20th season on May 3," said Chambeau, "when we will begin our cruises. We are glad to provide service for those who need it."
"I'm delighted and very pleased that Captain Chambeau will give handicapped individuals an opportunity to enjoy sailing on the river," said Mayor Thomas Kelaher at a small ceremony on the boat where Ferris, with Josh Ferris and Mike Jankowsky, presented a plaque to the captain in recognition of his efforts.
Toms River Councilwoman Melanie Donohue and Fay Wilson, chairwoman of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Developmental Disabilities, also attended.
"Kudos to members of the advisory committees who worked with the captain to get them to accommodate the River Lady for the disabled," said Donohue.
The advisory committees work in concert with the same goal, said Wilson, maintaining the rights of the disabled.
"This will give a lot more people an opportunity to take a ride, have dinner or enjoy a day on the river," said Wilson at the River Lady, as ADA Committee members Anna Belnome, Susan Payne Gato, Jerry Bojko and Ruth Fiedler toured the facility.
Gato, a registered nurse and post polio survivor, is co-chair of the Ocean County post-polio support group that is based in Toms River.
"We provide information and support to polio survivors and others in the Ocean County area interested in learning more about post-polio syndrome," she said.
The support group was started in 2004 by Gato and Kevin Marie Moore. In 2008, meetings are the third Saturday of the months of June, September and November, Gato said. For information, call 732-864- 0998.
The Toms River Advisory Committee on Developmental Disabilities was formed in 2003 under former Mayor Paul C. Brush to educate and advocate for the families and individuals with developmental disabilities through municipal officials.
Each year, the Mayor's Advisory Committee sponsors an information fair with about 50 service providers and agencies where visitors can learn about social and recreational programs and findout what services agencies provide.
Last week, tables in the River Lady's dining room were set and glasses at the bar were gleaming, ready for the season to begin and tourists to enjoy a historical sightseeing cruise, lunch, dinner or dancing, said Chambeau.
"We are grateful to the captain to provide accessibility for people with disabilities so that they may enjoy the experience of cruising on the River Lady," said Ferris.
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